The James Beard Awards are the United States’ version of the food Oscars. Today, the JB Foundation announced their semifinalists for this years awards.
The neat thing about the awards is that have nationwide categories as well as regional categories. Much like last year, Atlanta area chefs has a handful of entrants. Pano Karatassos, Scott Peacock, and Kevin Gillespie got some national attention … as did Miller Union. In the Southeast region, locals Linton Hopkins and Billy Allin are in contention … so too is the soon to be local Hugh Acheson.
The winners will be announced in May, so for now all we can do is wait. You can find the full list on the JB website (warning: that’s a pdf). However, we’ll highlight the Atlanta standouts right after the jump!
Here is the full list of nominees for the best chef in the Southeast as well as other local nominees in other categories:
Outstanding Restaurateur:
Pano Karatassos (Buckhead Life Restaurant Group)
Outstanding Chef (National):
Scott Peacock (Watershed in Decatur)
Rising Star Chef of The Year:
Kevin Gillespie (Woodfire Grill)
Best New Restaurant:
Miller Union
Best Chef: Southeast
- Hugh Acheson, Five and Ten, Athens, GA
- Billy Allin, Cakes & Ale, Decatur, GA
- Sean Brock, McCrady’s, Charleston, SC
- Tyler Brown, The Capitol Grille at the Hermitage Hotel, Nashville
- Ashley Christensen, Poole’s, Raleigh, NC
- Craig Deihl, Cypress, Charleston, SC
- Kelly English, Restaurant Iris, Memphis, TN
- Linton Hopkins, Restaurant Eugene, Atlanta
- Damian Heath, Lot 12 Public House, Berkeley Springs, WV
- Scott Howell, Nana’s, Durham, NC
- Anthony Lamas, Seviche, Louisville, KY
- Edward Lee, 610 Magnolia, Louisville, KY
- Daniel Lindley, St. John’s Restaurant, Chattanooga, TN
- Jonathan Lundy, Jonathan at Gratz Park, Lexington, KY
- Ouita Michel, Holly Hill Inn, Midway, KY
- Andrea Reusing, Lantern, Chapel Hill, NC
- Bill Smith, Crook’s Corner, Chapel Hill, NC
- Jacob Sessoms, Table, Asheville, NC
- Ken Vedrinski, Sienna, Daniel Island, SC
- Tandy Wilson, City House, Nashville
Alright folks, there ya have it. Wish them luck!